NBA Betting Picks for Today (March 19): Nuggets vs Lakers Betting Odds and Best Bets

It's Wednesday, and there's a Western Conference showdown between the Denver Nuggets (44-25) and Los Angeles Lakers (45-25)!

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

As the NBA regular season winds down, the stakes are high tonight for both teams. Denver, who holds the No. 3 seeds, sits one game above the Lakers. At one point, Los Angeles had the No. 2 seed after the acquisition of Luka Doncic. Without LeBron James, can the Lakers continue to hold their ground as a high playoff seed in the West?

With the end of the season near comes load management. With that said, several players are listed as questionable or out for tonight's matchup. That includes Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. Coming off a 114-105 victory over the Warriors, head coach Michael Malone opted to sit Jokic and Murray. Aaron Gordon led the way with 38 points, and Russell Westbrook with a triple-double. -120 moneyline favorites in a row, can the Nuggets win their second consecutive game?

The Lebron-less Lakers are holding their own, fresh off two victories against the Suns and Spurs. A majority of their success has come from Austin Reaves, who's exploded for 28+ points in four straight games. Jordan Goodwin has taken the King's spot, but let's be honest, he's not LeBron James. Can they pull off the win as underdogs as home to catch the Nuggets, or will Denver steal one on the road?

Odds Are Current As Of March 19 AT 9 A.M. ET

If you're looking to bet on the Nuggets vs Lakers game, welcome! With the Play-in Tournament exactly a month out, let's finish the season out hot!

With tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET, the Nuggets and Lakers matchup will air on ESPN. Located at crypto.com Arena, all eyes will be on both teams tonight!

Here are my three best betting picks and predictions for the March 19 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.

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NBA Bets: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers FanDuel Betting Odds For March 19

MONEYLINE

• DENVER NUGGETS: -130
• LOS ANGELES LAKERS: +108

SPREAD

• DENVER NUGGETS: -1.5 (-114)
• LOS ANGELES LAKERS: +1.5 (-106)

OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)

• OVER: 232.5 (-110)
• UNDER: 232.5 (-110)

Last Five H2H Matchups: Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers

• March 14, 2025: Nuggets 131, Lakers 126 (LA + 15, over 229.5)
• February 22, 2025: Lakers 123, Nuggets 100 (LA + 6.5, under 243.5)
• November 23, 2024: Nuggets 127, Lakers 102 (Denver +4, under 236)
• April 29, 2024: Nuggets 108, Lakers 106 (LA +6.5, under 217)
• April 27, 2024: Lakers 119, Nuggets 108 (LA +3.5, over 219.5)

Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

NUGGETS

1. Christian Braun, G: Questionable
2. Aaron Gordon, F: Questionable
3. Nikola Jokic, C: Questionable
4. Jamal Murray, G: Questionable
5. Julian Strawther, G: OUT

LAKERS

1. Luka Doncic, G: Questionable
2. Rui Hachimura, F: OUT
3. LeBron James, F: OUT
4. Trey Jemison III, C: Questionable
5. Maxi Kleber, F: OUT

Player Prop Best Bet #1: Dalton Knecht

Dalton Knecht 2024-2025 Season Stats

PPG: 9.5| FG: 46.4 % | FT: 75.3 % | 3PT : 36.4 % | REB: 3.0 | AST: 0.9 | STL: 0.3 | BLK: 0.1

• Over 9.5 Points (+100 Fanatics)

My first best bet for today, I placed one unit on Lakers guard/forward Dalton Knecht to record over 9.5 points today vs the Nuggets for +100 odds.

Knecht keeps proving why he's a valuable asset to the Lakers, yet why he's a potential trade piece in the offseason.

Getting the most of playing time without LeBron James, we saw Knecht exploded for a month high 32 points vs the Nuggets last Friday.

A crushing 131-126 loss against Denver, it was Jamal Murray who sealed the deal with a three-pointer. However, Knecht got the starting nod in place of Luka Doncic. In the matchup, Knecht shot 13-27 (48.1 %) from the field, and 5-13 from three (38.5 %).

Do I expect Knecht to put up these same type of numbers today? No. Although Doncic is listed as questionable, he's trending upwards of playing according to Rotowire. 

Dalton Knecht Torched The Nuggets Last Matchup

The Lakers know the value Knecht holds, especially with a slew of injuries. Mind you, the rookie put up 32 points against a fully healthy Nuggets quad. Now the books are asking for 9.5 points? That's severely underestimating Knecht as a player and his usage in JJ Redicks system.

Tallying nine points against the Lakers first matchup with the Nuggets, chalk it up to nerves. After all, Knecht is a rookie. Shooting 3-7, he did see 28 minutes of playing time. Now that the Lakers have vastly reconstructed their roster since, Knecht is the first man off the bench for Austin Reaves.

Dalton Knecht Has Been a Bettors Dream Lately

I'm bet on this prop before, and bettors have seen great things from Knecht as of late. Averaging 13.7 points over the last 10 games, the rookie is shooting 50 percent from the field, and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Aside from an outlier game vs the Suns, Redick has Knecht playing 25.7 minutes per game in March. Compare that to an abysmal 13.4 minutes of playing time in February.

• That's a 12 percent increase in minutes!  How is this line so low?

Clearing 10+ points in seven of nine games this month, we've seen great production from the Tennessee product. Has his shot percentages been terrible the last few games? Sure. However, Knecht is shooting 50 percent from the field in March! There's a bit of shot volume volatility, however, it's all about the high scoring percentage.

Soaring over 10+ points in four of the last five outings, Knecht is averaging 15.4 points over that span.

• While the Denver game may inflate those numbers a bit, the rookie has greatly benefited from LeBron's absence.

Dalton Knecht Should Continue To Soar Past This Prop Without LeBron James

Scoring 10+ points in five of the last six without James, Knecht is averaging over 26 minutes in eight games without LeBron. While it's not the only factor, it's a big one.

• When notching 26 minutes on the hardwood, Knecht has smashed this player prop line in five straight games.

Stakes are high tonight. With Doncic expected to play, I expect Knecht to still have a crucial role tonight. Given Knecht is versatile at the guard/forward position, the Nuggets biggest weakness is their defense.

• Strikingly different from years past, the Nuggets give up the 6th most points in the NBA (116.7), and allow the third most points to shooting guards and forwards.

Despite the books doubting Knecht for nearly plus money, I'm taking this over today. With a 18.2 usage rate, that will only increase as long as LeBron remains out.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Dalton Knecht Over 9.5 Points (+100 Fanatics)

With a 61.5 three point attempt percentage, these points can come from three-pointers alone. We know how terrible the Nuggets have been defending the perimeter, and that just adds value to this player prop.

No. 5 on the Lakers in field goal attempts per game (7.5), I only expect that to increase without James and Hachimura in the lineup.

• I'll take Dalton Knecht to record over 9.5 points today. One of my best betting picks, he has a prime matchup with the Nuggets. 

Player Prop Best Bet #2: Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves 2024-2025 Season Stats

PPG: 19.6 | FG: 44.6 % | FT: 87.2 % | 3PT : 36.6 % | REB: 4.5 | AST: 6.0 | STL: 1.2 | BLK: 0.3

• Over 5.5 Assists (-144 FanDuel)

My second best betting pick for today, I placed one unit on Lakers guard Austin Reaves to record over 5.5 assists today vs the Nuggets for -114 odds.

Reaves has had a breakout year, averaging a career-high 19.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. We knew Reaves had talent, but did anyone expect this much production explosion!?

Without LeBron James, and Luka Doncic at times, Reaves has taken over the helm for the Lakers.

• Although playing out of his mind, I'm fading his points prop. I think it's too juiced at 26.5 points.

Although Reaves isn't the Lakers primary ball handler with Doncic on the court, he's still averaging 1.1 assists alone on drives.

• No. 21 in potential assists per game in the NBA with 11.1, someone has to facilitate with LeBron out of the lineup.

Lakers Austin Reaves Is An Underrated Passer

Even with Doncic in the lineup, Reaves is a super underrated passer. Just outside the top 10 in passes made, we've seen Reaves take the next step for the Lakers. It seems Reaves loves playing next to Doncic, a player who can't fathom how Reaves went undrafted.

With back-to-back six assists against the Suns and Spurs, we saw Reaves explode for 13 and 10 assists against the Nuggets and Nets. No LeBron James, no problem. Reaves has soared over the 6+ assists line without James in the lineup.

• Over the last five games, he's averaged 7.5 dimes alone.

We know Reaves won't repeat his 13 assist performance against the Nuggets, given both Doncic and James were out of the lineup.

• Proven beneficial alongside Doncic, Reaves has recorded 25 assists in the last four games next to Luka.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Austin Reaves Over 5.5 Assists (-144 FanDuel)

We know the Lakers will be short handed one again today. The absence of LeBron and Hachimura stings. However, it will be up to Reaves, Doncic, and Knecht to carry the way. The Lakers have a ton of role players in Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, Jaxon Hayes, and Jordan Goodwin.

If you didn't know, the Nuggets allow the most assists in the NBA with 29.2 per game. With that, they allow the third most to shooting guards, which is in Reaves favor (5.8). While this player prop line will be close, it's a critical matchup.

• With a 25.7 percent assist rate, expect Reaves to be heavily utilize.   I'm taking Austin Reaves to record over 5.5 assists today.

Player Prop Best Bet #3: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon 2024-2025 Season Stats

PPG: 13.8 | FG: 51.2 % | FT: 81.1 % | 3PT : 45.7 % | REB: 4.9 | AST: 3.0 | STL: 0.5 | BLK: 0.3

• Over 20.5 Points + Rebounds (-125 FanDuel)

My third best pick and prediction today, I placed one unit on Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon to record over 20.5 points and rebounds for -125 odds.

• Gordon's season has been a bit volatile to say the least. With scoring numbers taking a dip, can we can about the evolution of Aaron Gordon's three-point shot!?

Gordon is a career 33 percent three-pointer shooter, and has never been a big factor behind the line. With Jokic, Gordon has learned to space a floor a bit, and with that has increased his three-point shooting. Averaging a robust 45.7 percent from three-point range, have the Nugget unlocked their secret weapon?

• Coming off a season high 38 points, we saw Gordon do it all agains the Warriors. Four trey balls, dunks. Of course doing all this without Murray and Jokic in the lineup.

It's hard to believe Murray and Jokic would sit a second straight game, especially a primetime matchup against the Lakers. If they don't suit up, Gordon can easily cover this line from a points perspective alone.

Aaron Gordon Should Feast Against The Lakers Today

Recording 22+ points in four games without Murray and Jokic, Gordon has averaged 28 points and 10.8 rebounds over this span. Without both stars, this line is a cheat code.

The return of Murray and Jokic is the inevitable, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. With Gordon scoring 17, 27, and 25 points in three of the last five with them on the court,  Gordon recorded 17 points and seven rebounds against the Lakers last week.

There's no doubt the Lakers lack front court strength and size, which is an area with Gordon can once again exploit. We saw this last Friday with the absence of LeBron James. As well as Gordon has been playing, this is more match up based for me.

• With that said, can we ignore Gordon, who's averaged 21.8 points and 4.5 rebounds over the last 10 games? No! He's shooting an impeccable 59.6 percent from the field, and 66.7 percent from downtown.

While the Lakers are one of the better teams defensively, they allow on average, 32.3 points and rebounds to forwards.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Aaron Gordon Over 20.5 Points + Rebounds (-125 FanDuel)

One of the most versatile players, he's been soaring ever since his return from injury. With out without Jokic and Murray, Gordon has been spectacular against the Lakers this season. Averaging 20.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in two games vs LA, he's shooting 91.7 percent from the free-throw line. Trust me, those free-throws will matter.

At the end of the day, can Jaxson Hayes, Alex Len, and Jared Vanderbilt truly guard Gordon? I expect him to feast today.

• I'll take Aaron Gordon to record over 20.5 points and rebounds today.